The Governor says that the reactivation of tourism requires the
application of rapid testing for Covid-19 in an ongoing, permanent
manner. He urges the federal government to facilitate this. Sanitary
protocols will be essential for travel and the arrival of tourists to
our destinations. VIDEO

The Director of the Isla Mujeres Community Hospital, Dra Leily Osorio
Mares wrote--Dear Isleños, Without a doubt, the actions that have been
implemented to reduce the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus (the cause of
Covid-19) have been working, which is reflected in the number of
confirmed cases, so I ask that you don't let your guard down in your
prevention measures. However, I have been noticing that some people only cover their mouth with their face mask, so it is essential to
rename it and call it the "Nose and Mouth Cover" (In Spanish, it's call
a cubreboca=mouth-cover, so she's renaming it a cubrenariz y boca). The
entrance pathways for this virus are via the eyes, nose and moth, so I
ask you not to touch your eyes and to cover your nose and mouth with the
mask for maximum effectiveness. The virus is among our population so we
must continue with prevention measures. A hug to everyone and a Happy
Social Isolation Saturday!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Sunday, May 17

Statistics are unchanged today for the municipality of Isla Mueres,
which reports 13 total cases with one death and four recovered for a
total of 8 active cases of Covid-19. Quintana Roo reports 1315 cases with 245
deaths, 729 recuperated, 173 under study, 148 hospitalized and 193 in
social isolation. Benito Juarez (Cancun) reports 973 posties, 192
deaths, and 572 recuperated.

Personnel for the Search and Rescue Unit at the Isla Mujeres Naval Base
responded to a call for an emergency medical evacuation from the cruise
ship "Rhapsody of the Seas" in the pre-dawn hours yesterday. A
"Defender" Naval boat was immediately dispatched to the ship, which was
located 114 nautical miles (211 kilometers) from the island. A
43-year-old male, originally from Costa Rica, with a diagnosis of deep
vein thrombosis in his right leg; was transported to the Naval pier in
Puerto Juarez, where an ambulance took him to a Cancun Hospital for
specialized medical care.

Governor Carlos Joaquin explains that reactivation will occur in
accordance with the Federal plan to return to a New Normality, which is
based on a color system associated with the number of cases. There is a
red status, which the state is currently in, and orange, yellow &
green. Each category has a federal authorization to initiate certain
activities. When we begin construction activities, it will be with all
of the measures for prevention, in the early days of June. Fishing and
farming will be the other initial activities to be resumed. Of course,
this will be dependent on the color system, and upon everyone taking
responsibility and staying at home. VIDEO

Our Saturday saw us serve up 300 mac and cheese on ham in a fresh baked
bun pure comfort food. Angie took these wonderful photos it is a
teachers greatest success when the
student becomes better then the teacher. Thank you to everyone who has
helped us to do this every Saturday. Steve and Lindell Lehrer thank you
for your great help this week.

~~The Little Yellow School House teaches Isla kids with special needs.
Last year the kids learned to prepare & serve lunches on Wednesdays
to the general public as part of a popular project. Now, schools are
temporarily closed & LYSH volunteers are providing meals on
Saturdays to Isla's seniors, single moms, & other vulnerable members
of the community.~~Ed.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Monday, May 18
May 18--The report for the municipality of Isla Mujere is unchanged with a total
of 13 cases of Covid-19, with one death and four recuperated. Quintana
Roo reports 1345 positives, 150 under study, 253 deaths, 744
recuperated, 148 hospitalized, and 200 in social isolation. Benito
Juarez (Cancun) reports 1001 cases, 200 deaths and 586 recuperated.

CALL FROM THE MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT TO REINFORCE MEASURES AGAINST COVID-19 > Isla Mujeres is in an intensive phase so all are encouraged to intensify containment measures >The next few weeks are crucial for the municipality
With the understanding that Isla Mujeres is in an intensive phase
of Covid-19, the government presided over by Juan Carrillo Soberanis
calls on the general population to redouble efforts to contain the
spread of the virus among island families.
Dr. Xhanat Tze González Mora, municipal liaison for preventive
actions against coronavirus, explained that the next two weeks are
crucial for the municipality, so you must not let your guard down, let
alone relax the work that has been implemented, such as the reduction of
circulation in the colonias where increased mobility has been detected.
She said, "We are in a phase where you should avoid leaving home,
you need to continue with personal hygiene measures, hand washing, use
of face masks and avoiding any gathering or meeting; everyone must
understand that we are in an intensive phase, where efforts must be
redoubled, with government and society, and try for eradication in the
next two weeks", the official declared. She explained that if the
population relaxes preventive measures and starts leaving their homes
to do their regular activities, we could have another peak and an
increase in the number of infections, these are two very crucial weeks,
in which more than ever we must keep ourselves in social isolation."
"If we want Phase Three to last as little time as as possible, we
need to be very disciplined so that it really is a couple more weeks and
doesn't extend again, otherwise we will continue in isolation and we
will have to continue with this situation that is affecting us so much,"
she concluded. (From the City)

Today, Mexico enters "Stage 2" of the reopening process when
businesses start preparing for the New Normality (or New Reality).
"Stage 3" will begin on June 1st with the implementation of a "Traffic Light" National
Color Alert system. (Stage 1 occurred in the couple hundred
municipalities with no cases who were allowed to reopen today.)
May 18-31--Businesses Begin Preparations: 1. Establish sanitary protocols for the safe reopening of work activities 2. Training of personnel for safety in the work environment 3. Readjustment of spaces and production processes 4. Filters in the workplace for entrances, sanitation, and hygiene.
June 1st--National color-code system goes into effect for reopening
regionally, with weekly updates (Stage 3). In addition to the
state-by-state color designations, an arrow indicates if cases are
increasing, stable, or decreasing in each state.
.

Note: These are three "stages" for reopening, not to be confused with the epidemic "phases" of Covid-19

Stage One of the "New Normality" begins today for the 269 municipalities designated as "La Esperanza" (with no reported cases of coronavirus). Their schools, public spaces and workplaces are authorized to reopen now, which was preceded by the implementation of "sanitary fences". However, Jalisco's Governor said the 11 municipalities in his state with this designation will remain under quarantine.

For the rest of Mexico, Stage Two begins today, "The Preparation Stage", which continues throughout May with the establishment of protocols so that businesses, workers and families understand what to do in all times in the pandemic. Note that the list of essential businesses has been expanded to include construction, mining, and more industrial businesses, beginning June 1st.

The graphic says: Stage 2--Preparation for general reopening
Actions of General Application
1. Each company should prepare sanitary protocols for the safe reopening of activities
2. Training of personnel for safety in the work environment
3. Readjustment of spaces and production processes
4. Filters in the workplace for entrances, sanitation, and hygiene.

Stage Three begins on June 1st with implementation a state-by-state color code system of red, orange, yellow, and green designating allowable levels of activities, which will be updated weekly. In addition to the color designations, an arrow indicates if the cases are increasing, stable or decreasing in each state. (translation is below these graphics)

Status of the states on the "Traffic Light" system in mid-May. This will be updated May 30-31 to go into effect June 1st.

This graphic explains which activities are allowed within each color designation

Quintana Roo is currently in the RED status ("Maximum Alert") when only essential businesses may operate, with public spaces and schools closed, and vulnerable people should stay home. No school. Construction, mining, and auto manufacturing have been added to the essential businesses list with preventative measures required.
~~Only essential economic activities are allowed as defined by the
Ministry of the Economy, with strict protection for persons of high
vulnerability, and with the full criteria of the Healthy Distance
Campaign in effect.~~

ORANGE--(High Alert) Some non-essential businesses and work are allowed with limitations, including construction and agriculture. Some public spaces are opened in a reduced manner, vulnerable people can resume activities with utmost care, but schools remain closed.
~~Essential work activities are permitted and
non-essential activities at reduced levels of intensity, with strict
protection for persons of high vulnerability. There is a 70% reduction
of social activities in public spaces, open air and enclosed. No school.~~

YELLOW--(Medium Alert) Non-essential work activities may resume with limitations. Enclosed public activities such as churches, museums, cinemas, theaters and restaurants have restrictions. Minor restrictions on open spaces. Schools remain closed.
~~ Work activities are permitted with strict protection for persons of high
vulnerability. There is a 40% reduction is social activities in public
spaces, open air and enclosed. No school.~~

GREEN--(Low Alert-Usual) Restrictions on work activities and public spaces are lifted, school resumes, and only vulnerable people are monitored. In public and at work, measures for healthy distancing & hygiene should continue.
~~Normal economic and work activities. School resumes, as well as social and recreational activities.~~

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tuesday, May 19

The municipality of Isla Mujeres continues to report a total of 13
cases, with 1 death, and another recovered for a total of 5 recovered,
leaving 7 active cases. Quintana Roo reports 1365 positives, 260
deaths, 191 under study, 753 recovered, 148 hospitalized, and 204 in
social isolation. Benito Juarez (Cancun) reports 1011 positives, 204
deaths, and 594 recovered.

The state Secretary of Tourism, Marisol Vanegas, said hotels in
Quintana Roo will not be opening on June 1st. Regarding their plans to
reopen their doors in a couple of weeks, as the hoteliers had announced,
she explained, "This will not be possible ... that won't be determined
by the companies nor by the market; it will be determined by the Federal
government and the State government." She said hotels can participate in the preparatory phase by obtaining a voluntary health
certification from the state government, noting, "The main objective is
for companies to be ready to return to business on a date yet to be
defined in June." She added that areas dedicated to tourism, including
swimming pools, gyms, and spas must remain closed until conditions
allow, otherwise "disastrous situations in terms of health are
foreseeable". She said "Currently all hotels must still remain
closed" and the only ones remaining open "are providing service to those
who perform essential functions during the pandemic".

Spraying/Fogging to prevent mosquitoes on Wednesday & Thursday on the island.

At
yesterday's press conference, Mexico's coronavirus czar, Dr.
Lopez-Gatell addressed expectations about June 1st. He said, "Citizens,
do not think that on June 1 we will return to normal, to all the
activities we used to do, it will not be like that. The way it will
happen is that for each state, for each federal entity, on the weekend
before June 1st, we will present the status of the COVID epidemic in
each of the 32 states, which will be represented by a traffic light (4-color system) of epidemiological risk that considers various variables."

"In this manner, you can be informed of the status of the Covid
epidemic in the state where you reside, which will determine the
indications on whether public activities and work activities are opened
in your state or not. So don't think that the National Healthy Distance
Campaign is over, don't think about returning to complete normality," he
said.
He pointed out Quintana Roo's improved ACTIVE-case
statistics over the past two weeks, in association with reducing
mobility by 85%, attributing this to compliance with strict measures. He
noted we'd moved from a peak of 500+ active cases down to less than 200
(Map-#1) & moved down to 21st among the states (Graphic-#2).
However, Q Roo remains in the top ten for ACCUMULATED (total) cases,
(Map-#3). We're in fourth place nationally for incidence rate of
accumulated cases with 78 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. The national
rate is 40. (Graphic-#4).
Click on graphic #5 for a translation
of the Traffic Light system of permitted activities in each of the four
colors. On May 14, Q Roo was placed in the "RED-Maximum Alert" category,
which will be updated the weekend of May 30-31st.
He also
emphasized the need for strict compliance with the restrictions of the
Healthy Distance Campaign during the rest of May.
The maps & graphics are interactive here: https://covid19.sinave.gob.mx/graficastasas.aspx

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Wednesday, May 20

The municipality of Isla Mujeres continues to report a total of 13 cases with 1 death and 5 recovered, leaving 7 active cases.
Quintana Roo reports a total of 1383 positives, 272 deaths, 225 under
study, 762 recovered, 138 hospitalized and 211 in social isolation.
Benito Juarez (Cancun) reports 1022 positives, 211 deaths and 600
recuperated.

Tourists could begin arriving June 8-10, depending on what color Q Roo
is assigned on the first of June, according to Governor Carlos Joaquin.
He explained the federal "Traffic Light" four-color system, noting that
reduced non-essential business is allowed in the orange category.
Therefore, tourism activities could begin in a reduced and gradual
manner, with measures in place for the protection of visitors and
employees. He emphasized that it why it is so important not to relax
our discipline in the upcoming days. The red category only allows
essential businesses, (which will include construction after June 1st).
He said, depending on what color we're assigned on June 1st,
employees could begin working internally to make the necessary
revisions, and then we could begin receiving tourists June 8-10.
He discussed the pie-chart from the US asking how soon tourists would
travel to Cabo or the Caribbean, focusing on the 14% in the "Right Away"
category. His next graphic is "The top ten most searched for
international destinations for flights, according to Expedia", with the
top three being Playa del Carmen, Cancun & Isla Mujeres. He
also said the school year will conclude on July 17 without the schools
reopening, and the remainder of the semester will continue with
distance-learning.

Delivery of the second round (la segunda ronda) of governmental food assistance began
today, house to house, with coordination between the state teams and
municipal employees. The Mayor said there is a great demand for this
assistance and emphasized that residents should stay in their homes
while the teams will make their way through all of the colonias over the
next few days. He said that this is a crucial time when it is
very important to stay at home for as long as it takes, so that in the
next few weeks the economy of the municipality can gradually be
reactivated. The teams are delivering the boxes to the entrance of
households without contact, taking a photo as evidence, and then the
beneficiary comes out with Healthy Distancing to collect the "pantry".

~~~~~~~~~~~~~Thursday, May 21

The municipality of Isla Mujeres remains at a total of 13 reported cases
with 1 death, and now there are 7 recovered. leaving 5 active cases.
Quintana Roo reports 1441 positives with 280 deaths, 777 recuperated,
215 under study, 144 hospitalized and 240 is social isolation. Benito
Juarez (Cancun) reports 1067 positives with 217 deaths and 609
recuperated.

With the June 8th target for tourists to return, Cancun Airport is stepping up its anti-Covid measures

Tuesday, the Governor announced that the state could reopen for
tourism June 8-10, in a reduced manner, if Q Roo's color status is
upgraded when the federal "Traffic Light" system goes into effect June
1st.

At the Cancun airport, protocols are being implemented which include
increased sanitation of transport units and the airport facilities, with
specific personnel doing this work nightly in an in-depth manner.
Specific personnel will be assigned for increased cleaning in public
areas of greater passenger contact.

Staff will have personal protective equipment, including face
masks and shields, gloves, and personal antibacterial gel. Protective
barriers will be installed at the documentation verification modules.

There will be temperature review points in the areas where
passengers are arriving and departing, with identification of risk
factors in travelers both electronically and on paper. Gel dispensing
stations will be available in public areas, in the offices and for the
operational personal.

Users of the facilities will find the buildings, terminals, and
operating areas "100% sanitized" according to ASUR (Aeropuertos del
Sureste), who operate Cancun's International Airport. Their website
says total passenger traffic in Mexico decreased 95.7% in April. They
said they're working in coordination with the Federal Civil Aviation
Agency and the Ministry of Communications and Transportation, as well as
International Health and state and municipal authorities, to ensure
protection of passengers and airport personnel.

Source-Sipse & Governor's FB page. Stock photo from ASUR.

~~~~~~From TUI, one of the world's largest travel businesses.... This is general information from an international company & not specific to Mexico or Isla Mujeres
"These will be the new travel rules after Covid-19"FLIGHTS--
>>In the Airport--Personal distancing, Paperless tickets,Temperature checks, Additional personnel
>>Clean air on board--Implementation of air filtration systems with vertical flow to ensure good air quality.
>>Boarding--Signs; Use of face masks, Scaled-down boarding in small groups to avoid lines in the boarding areas and aisles of the plane
>>Service on Board--Flights with less occupancy, Seat assignments in a scaled-down manner, Orders in advance and Non-cash payments
>>Arrival--Scaled down disembarking, more transfer vehicles, distancing at the luggage carousels and passport areas

HOTELS--
>>Hygiene Rules-- Increased cleaning, disinfection areas, healthy distancing of 1.5 to 2 meters, increased employee training
>>Entertainment--Shows in the open air, adaptation of open spaces for food consumption, self-service (formerly) buffets will have waiter-service
>>Activities--The priority will be sports that don't require teams, less participants but more frequently, limited spa offerings, saunas will be closed.

The municipality of Isla Mujeres reports another case for a total of 14
with one death and 7 recovered, leaving 6 active cases. Quintana Roo
reports 1530 positives with 284 deaths, 180 under study, 791
recuperated, 149 hospitalized and 306 in social isolation. Benito Juarez
(Cancun) reports 1139 positives, 219 deaths and 622 recovered.
Today Q Roo begins week 11, since the first confirmed case in the state
on Friday, March 13. The first case in Isla Mujeres was reported on
April 4th. The graphics show NEW cases & deaths in Cancun by week
and Isla's TOTAL cases by week.

Isla Mujeres tourism-related businesses are encouraged to apply for the
state Certification in Health Protection and Prevention in Tourist
Facilities. LINK

The second round of house-by-house distribution of governmental food
assistance is taking place on the island, provided by the state, (who
purchased it a discount from the federal government). The private groups
are planning a large coordinated distribution on Sunday of similar
"pantries" aka "dispensas" of groceries & hygiene items. Various restaurants & families have EACH been preparing and delivering 100's meals or offering them for takeaway. Ruben & FeedIsla used donations
to pay 100's of electric bills to prevent disconnections, in addition
to distributing dispensas, meals & Chedraui cards. Various
individuals have been delivering pantries, diapers & formula to
neighbors in need, with donated help from friends & strangers. The
City DIF social service agency has a donate or take-away table at their
office & a collection table at Chedraui, and has been delivering
food to vulnerable members of the community. You can find more information & photos at Isla Mujeres Together-Granito de Arena,
including donation information. We encourage you to remember these
generous businesses when you return to the island & repay them with
your patronage! Thanks to IslaMujeres.info for the VIDEO.

At the house-by-house distribution of governmental food assistance, Guy
on Left wins in the "Favorite Mask" category. The Naval guys win "Best
Mask Fashion" with their fully coordinated ensembles. There's a tie
between the two women in the "No Mask-No Prize" category & one
runner-up for the "Pull it Up or it Doesn't Count" boobie prize. 😉😎😁 Photo credit to Gail Marie Stewart for #4, #2 shared by mask-wearer Abiran Fuentes, the others are from the City.

Susanna Distancia says in these times YOU are a hero..Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, Cover your mouth & nose with your inner elbow if you cough or sneeze, Disinfect areas and objects that are used commonly, No physical greetings, and Maintain Healthy Distance.

Discounts on municipal fees

Psychological attention is available for free 24 hours a day at these three phone numbers during the given times.

VIDEO--Governor Carlos Joaquin explains that reactivation will occur in accordance with the Federal plan to return to a New Normality, which is based on a color system associated with the number of cases. There is a red status, which the state is currently in, and orange, yellow & green. Each category has a federal authorization to initiate certain activities. When we begin construction activities, it will be with all of the measures for prevention, in the early days of June. Fishing and farming will be the other initial activities to be resumed. Of course, this will be dependent on the color system, and upon everyone taking responsibility and staying at home. (Information on the "Traffic Light" system is below)

Sunday--Equality begins when we recognize that we all have the right to be happy. International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia.

Protect your whole family at home1. Wash your hands with soap and water whenever come home and before doing anything. 2. Cover your nose and mouth with your inner elbow or use a tissue when you sneeze or cough3. Eat well with plenty of vegetables, fruits and at least 2 liters of plain water4. Don't share food, beverages, dishware or utensils5. Don't spit on the ground; use a tissue and wash your hands6. Don't smoke7. Obtain personal hygiene articles such as hand soap, preferably in liquid form, or in individual-size bars and disposable tissues. Stay at home~Together we'll move forward

VIDEO from the state government that professional psychological help is always available at 911. Caption- These are hard times, but you're not alone! All people are exposed to the virus, news, social media and comments, and being afraid is normal. Via 911 we are available to listen to you and give you professional help.

A large slider
opens from each of the 3 rooms onto the patio where each has a table
& chairs, hammock & clotheslines. The BBQ is behind the pole,
and the outdoor shower is out of the pic at left.

"Reverse Sunset" (looking east from MVC)

Free
amenities include hammocks,
portable beach
chairs, beach towels,
washer & dryer, loungers, shared bikes, BBQ grill, and safes. Panoramic
views from the
rooftop terrace. Large sliding doors open to a patio &
the white sand backyard-beach, overlooking the Caribbean sea. Downtown
is ~ a mile away; we're on
all four bus routes or flag a $3 taxi. Off street parking. You
can enjoy the music & crowds downtown, then return to the quiet
neighborhood of Bachilleres and sleep to the sounds of the sea.. $275/$325/$425 wk $40/50/$65nt Monthly Discounts

Fine
dining a few steps away at Da Luisa or try the
neighborhood eateries a couple blocks farther. We provide a list of
links & direction to over 20 eateries within ten minutes walk,
including Mango Cafe, Mike's Pizza,
Brisas, Rosa Sirena, Coco Jaguar, Manolitos, La Chatita, Green Verde, Kash Kechen
Chuc, and the
large department store-grocery Chedraui & the local craft brewery. Visit marinas, bars, &
beach
clubs that are minutes away by bike or on foot. Attend Yoga classes a
couple villas away at Casa
Ixchel. Fresh juice, produce & tortillas a few blocks
away in the village, as well as a
variety of other stores.

Sunset 7:12-7:25pm (beginning vs end of month)Sunrise 6:16--6:05amPainting by Pamela Haase at MVC

Turtles begin mating and nesting
in May. They can be observed mating offshore from Punta Sur
during this
month, and they nest along the eastern beaches. Tortugranja staff and
volunteers gather the eggs and incubate them in the sand in a pen
outside the facility. The Protection season officially begins May 15,
but Tortugranja staff usually begin checking for nests at the beginning of the
month. Three species nest annually in Isla Mujeres, Greens, Loggerheads,
and Hawksbills, and very rarely, a Leatherback will attempt to nest,
but generally the sand isn't sufficiently deep.

The season for swimming with the whale sharks normally begins on May 15th,
which ends annually in mid-September. They congregate and feed on a
'buffet' of plankton and fish eggs from a type of tuna. Rays are also
attracted to the feeding areas. Photos by Tony Garcia

The
Eta Aquarid meteor shower peaks before dawn on May 5th, but can be seen
during the early hours (starting ~3a nightly) from mid-April thru
mid-May. The longest "windows" to see them as they near peaking are
the wee hours Friday & Saturday nights, May 1st & 2nd (which are
the mornings of Sat & Sun). They
peak as the moon is approaching fullness. On May 5th it sets at 4:55a,
so will be low on the western horizon, while the radiant point is in the
east. You don't need to focus on the radiant, because you may miss the
meteors that create the longest bright streaks flying across the sky.
This shower is caused by debris from Halley's comet.

During May, the climate changes Although
May is the hottest month in the neighboring state of Yucatan, here on
the coast, the hottest months begin in June. In May the "Perceived
Temperature" (thin line above the others) begins to rise, as the
humidity increases and the rainy season begins as the month progresses.
We've been in dry season since November-December, and late April &
early May are when firefighters are busy across the Peninsula fighting
brush fires. There are ~13+ hours of daylight in May & humidity
increases from 92% to 99% as the month progresses. Water temperatures
are 81-82 degrees.

Source: Weather Spark

Source: Weather Spark

Source: Climates to Travel

A wet day is one with at least 0.04 inches of precipitation. In Cancún, the chance of a wet day over the course of May is very rapidly increasing, starting the month at 14% and ending it at 36%.
For reference, the year's highest daily chance of a wet day is 52% on September 27, and its lowest chance is 12% on March 22. Source: Weather Spark

Source: Weather Spark

Source: Weather Spark

Friday, May 1 Labor Day Official Holiday with offices closed.

May 3 Dia de la Cruz, a holiday celebrated by construction workers
in Mexico, and is associated with St Helena (Elena in Spanish). Normally, crosses
are placed atop construction projects, and crews take a break to pray
and eat together, with food & drink supplied by the owner.

May 5 "Cinco de Mayo" Anniversary of the Battle of Puebla against the French in 1862.
. May 10 Mother's Day

Sources for Weather Information:LINK to Civil Protection Q Roo weather bulletin (Spanish)LINK to Mexico National Weather Service (Spanish) LINK to satellite images for the Mexico National Weather Service LINK to GOES East Band 16 GIF (animation) LINK to a private weather station on Isla Mujeres

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...

MVC Guests from Ontario wrote...

We have returned to Maravilla Caribe and we consider it to be a gem. Is it a luxurious resort? No. On the other hand, it's the kind of place where you feel comfortable sitting outside with a beer and watching the ocean, reading all afternoon in a hammock or going for a long walk along the shore. To sit on the patio with a plate of fresh fruit and a cup of coffee is my idea of the perfect morning. It's like having your own little private beach cottage - it's not fancy but that's not what we're looking for. A 15 minute walk takes you into the busy little town, full of great little restaurants and shops, and a $3 taxi ride will get you just about anywhere on the island. The landlord is friendly, accommodating and genuinely cares about and knows the local community. For anyone who wants a lavish package vacation, this obviously isn't the place for you - there are plenty of resorts that will fit your needs. Maravilla is a simple, lovely place to get away from it all.

Visits Since June 2011

Taunya from Washington wrote

Hi Ronda,

I want to say thank you again for a fabulous vacation! Your studio was perfect! Having the extra space, kitchenette and dinning table made the space perfect for a long stay. Your little details like coffee filters and ice cube trays made it feel like home. I also really appreciated that you were there if I needed anything, but that you also let me have my space.

Being out of downtown, yet close to everything made the location perfect. Add the beautiful beach and it couldn't have been any better!

Thank you so much! When I return to Isla I will be back on your doorstep. Happy Holidays!

MaraVilla Caribe Bed & Beach Guests Say..

Judy from Ohio wrote...I stayed at Maravilla and absolutely loved it. Beach and patio was kept very clean and since handicapped I would spend the days on patio with my laptop at table right outside my room. Each room had table/chairs in front of room. Not many places on isla you have the beach right outside your door-saves alot of money instead of renting beach chairs and buying drinks downtown. I also do not like crowded beaches and stacks of chairs next to each other as on the north beaches. You hear absolutely no street noise just the waves hitting the shore. There were bikes free to use, beachchairs free to take to downtown, and free washer/dryer to use. The price is excellent value and the owners live there so they do not need to list with an agency giving renters better $ value. Isla is not for everyone. But condo/luxury hotels now line the once beautiful North Beach for those wanting the Cancun version of places to stay, so sad, plus $$$$. I prefer peace,quiet, and great value. Not many places with sunrise/sunset views.

Renee from Toronto wrote...

For some of us, there comes a time when we prefer peace and quiet to hustle and bustle. For a few regrettable years, I got off buses and lined up with the rest of the schmucks to check in for the all inclusive 'experience'. I set the alarm daily to head down with everyone else to make dinner reservations for the pleasure of eating soggy Sushi served by brusque Bahamians. I wore the wristband of shame, identifying me as an easy mark on any excursion. I tipped and cajoled the bartender for extra shots of rum. I listened to the drunken monologues of people who get to cut loose just once a year. With the all inclusive experience, your fate is not entirely your own...

And then I tried something else, the self catering experience - more a case of here's your key, here's your apartment, have fun! Settle in, stock your fridge, stock your bar and you're off to the races. Happy hour is whenever you choose. No lining up at a buffet. Snorkel on your own time. Open a bottle of wine and cook a leisurely dinner - no one's rushing you out for the next seating. Sleep in and eat breakfast when you want, don't worry about the dining room being closed.

That's the experience I prefer these days. And Mara Villa doesn't disappoint. You get exactly what you pay for: a clean and comfortable room with everything you need. The experience is great for people who like to 'do their own thing.' In essence, staying at Mara Villa is like having your own private beachfront villa.

Amenities include good wifi, towels, sheets, dishes, pots and pans, a fridge and freezer, drinking water, hammock hooks, and a clothesline. Bonuses include a patio with tables and chairs, a charcoal BBQ, a beach for watching the sun rise over the water, and a rooftop for watching the sun set over Cancun (also good for star gazing and extreme suntanning).

The local bus passes by the front door and costs 4 pesos to head downtown. A taxi is about $2 into town. Chedraui, the big grocery store, is less than 10 minutes away by foot. Grab a cheap cab home if you've really stocked up.

Ronda is a great host - a storehouse of island information about where to eat and what to do. Bruce, her husband, is an avid snorkeler and can point you in the best direction off their private beach for underwater wildlife. I was lucky enough to see dolphins swimming offshore one day. Close to shore I also saw a barracuda, a sting ray and a pair of graceful Caribbean squid. The usual tropical fish abound as well.

It's worth noting that Mara Villa is located on the east side of the island, windward. The shore is more dramatic and rocky, but there are very few, if any, mosquitos. The west side of the island is calmer and more traditionally 'beachy', but mosquitoes abound at dawn and dusk. With the rocky shore, you need water shoes for entering the water and swimming, but you have the beach all to yourself at Mara Villa. Head to the sublimely Caribbean style North Beach if you miss the crowds.

I spent almost a month at Mara Villa and it was the calm, casual and relaxing experience I craved. I will be back to Mara Villa, but I won't ever go back to an all inclusive.

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Jane C from Penland wrote...

My friend and I just stayed at Maravilla Caribe, December 20-25, 2012 and we had an absolutely wonderful experience. The owner, Ronda made me feel comfortable before I arrived, providing helpful information about travel to the area. She made an extra effort to secure a larger room for us, which was perfect. Maravilla is quaint, charming, clean & comfortable. We loved the bright green color of the house! The kitchenette was simple, clean and well equipped with everything we needed to prepare meals. The beds are very comfortable and Ronda provides lots of clean towels. She even offered to let us use the washer/dryer and bicycles for free! The best part (other than the low cost) is you have your own private beach in the back! It is a beautiful place that I highly recommend.

Carol D from Peterborough wrote.....

Hello I stayed at MaraVilla, la Casa Verde :-), Dec 10 to 20 this 2012 for my first time and would not hesitate to return. This is my 11th year staying on the island and I have stayed at many places. The location is amazing, and the owners have modified the patio doors so that those of us who want to hear the waves all night can do so with security. They were super helpful at every turn and what meant the most to me is that they really care about their guests and are friendly. We enjoyed a wonderful lunch together. The room was spacious and clean. At MaraVilla there are only 3 rooms facing the water so it is peaceful, quiet and private. At MaraVilla, there were workers out painting the house in front and raking the beach and it was well maintained. There were no rocks on the clean tile patio. you do need water shoes to wade in to the water but it is worth it. And if you want to go to a more perfect beach i.e. no reef etc then one could go and pay 150-200+ per night at Playa Norte (but you won't hear the waves from your bed or have the privacy or owners that care about you!!). The bed was comfortable, mattress good, sheets in good shape and clean (more than i can say about the place i had the misfortune of staying in Progresso!!). Honestly you get what you pay for in this world and if you were to go to Tulum, or San Filipe or Progresso you are sure getting much more bang for your buck at MaraVilla in the 50-65 dollar range!!! If you are a 5 star resort person I would say stay at a 5 star resort, but if you enjoy the waves, quiet, privacy and caring owners then stay at this MaraVilla the Casa Verde :-)

Noska from Austin wrote....Maravilla is one of the coolest little spots on the isla.The hosts are awesome,location perfect,rooms are clean and affordable

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Music:

Fayne's has late night live music, starts ~10p

El Patio House of Music on Hidlago has live music evenings, usually HH show 5p, continues at 7p.